Feb 20, 2026
Concept plans are moving forward for a new, modern washroom facility at Maffeo Sutton Park, designed to be more inclusive, accessible, and better equipped to handle large crowds during peak seasons and major events.
NANAIMO — City staff recently shared preliminary design ideas with the Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness. The proposed building would replace the park’s current undersized facility and significantly improve capacity and functionality.
A Modern, Inclusive Design
The new structure is envisioned as a triangular building located directly behind the Lions Pavilion, near the busy waterfront walkway, which attracts roughly 24,000 visitors per month during the summer. Its proximity to the pavilion will also allow the building to support events hosted at the site.
Current plans outline eight private, fully enclosed washroom stalls, each containing its own toilet and sink. All stalls would be accessed individually from the exterior of the building, similar to other modern park facilities.
Two of the stalls would be fully accessible and equipped with features such as adult change tables, lift systems, and additional space for individuals with mobility challenges or other accessibility needs.
Surge Capacity for Major Events
To address high visitor volumes during celebrations such as Canada Day and other large gatherings, the design includes additional “surge” washrooms. These facilities would not operate daily but would be opened during major events when regular capacity is insufficient.
The surge area would include one accessible washroom and ten standard washrooms, each with its own sink, along with four urinals to further improve efficiency during peak demand.
Flexible Space and Community Feedback
The design also includes a green room for performers using the Lions Pavilion. Committee members reviewing the plans suggested refinements to the accessible stall layouts and recommended clearer visual indicators to show when washrooms are occupied. Enhanced lighting was also discussed as a potential improvement.
Another idea raised was incorporating a quiet room within a flexible interior space. This area could provide a calming environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
City staff will incorporate committee feedback before presenting a refined proposal to Council. A final budget will be determined once the design is confirmed.
Increased Capacity and Extended Hours
The new facility would expand everyday washroom capacity by two additional stalls compared to the current building. On event days, the surge facilities would significantly increase availability.
The individual, exterior-access design may also create opportunities to extend park washroom operating hours beyond current closing times of 9 p.m. in winter and 10 p.m. in summer. However, extended hours would require additional staffing, monitoring, and operational funding.
City officials have indicated that further analysis will be presented to Council outlining the costs and operational considerations needed to maintain the facility at a high standard.
Target Completion in 2028
If approved, construction is expected to be completed by 2028.
The project continues the City’s recent investment in upgrading washroom facilities at high-use parks. New or expanded facilities have already been completed at Westwood Lake Park and Neck Point Park in recent years.
The redevelopment at Maffeo Sutton Park aims to meet growing demand from residents, tourists, and event attendees while prioritizing accessibility, inclusion, and long-term functionality.